Questions to ask yourself first
Before calling anyone, it helps to get clear on a few things in your own family:
- What needs to go, and to whom? A rough list of items, recipients, and destinations is enough to start.
- Who is making decisions? If there's an estate, the executor or personal representative usually needs to approve the plan.
- What's the deadline? A closing, move-in, or lease-end date shapes everything else.
- What matters most? For some families it's cost; for others it's that Grandma's china arrives in one piece. Knowing your priorities helps you compare companies fairly.
- Who will be at the home for pickup? If no one in the family is local, ask how the company handles access.
About the company
- What kind of work do you do most often? Some companies focus on moving entire households; others focus on packing and shipping specific items to one or more destinations. Make sure their focus matches your needs.
- Where are you located, and who will actually handle my items? Ask whether the company does the packing itself or arranges it through others.
- Do you work with estates and senior transitions? Estate work often involves executors, attorneys, multiple recipients, and deadlines. Experience with that makes a difference.
- Can I talk to a real person? When things are emotional and time-sensitive, being able to pick up the phone matters.
Paperwork
- What will I receive in writing? Ask for a written quote and a clear description of what's included.
- Will I get a record of what was picked up? A list or photo inventory, matched to each recipient, protects everyone.
- How will I know when each shipment is delivered? Especially useful when several relatives are receiving items.
About the quote
- Is there a cost for the first consultation?
- What will my quote be based on? Typically the items, packing needs, pickup and delivery details, and destinations.
- What isn't included? Ask about anything that could change the price, such as stairs, long carries, or extra stops.
- How do you handle shipments to several addresses? Ask whether each recipient gets a separate shipment and how costs are broken out.
Packing and handling
- How will fragile and valuable items be packed? Ask about china, glass, framed art, mirrors, and antiques specifically.
- Do you sort items by recipient? For estates with several heirs, this keeps everything organized.
- Can I keep a list or photo record of what was picked up? A clear record protects everyone.
Coverage and protection
- What happens if something is damaged or lost? Ask what protection is available, how it works, and what it costs, especially for high-value items. Get the answer in writing.
- Should I check my own insurance? Many families also ask their homeowner's or renter's insurance agent whether items are covered in transit.
Pickup and delivery
- What do you need from me for pickup? Access, keys, gate codes, condo rules, and elevator reservations.
- What does delivery include? Ask whether items are left at the door or brought inside, and whether unpacking or packing debris removal is included.
- How will the recipient be contacted to schedule delivery?
Timing and communication
- What timeline should I expect? Ask how far ahead to book and how long shipping typically takes to each destination.
- Who is my main contact, and how will you keep me updated? This is especially important if you live out of state.
- Can you work with our executor, estate attorney, real estate agent, or senior move manager?
After you book
- Share your master list of items, recipients, and addresses, and confirm it's been received.
- Let each recipient know a delivery is coming and who will contact them.
- Keep your photos of each item and box until everything has arrived.
- Ask recipients to open boxes soon after delivery and let you know right away if anything looks wrong.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious if a company won't put a quote in writing, asks for a large payment before doing any work, can't give you a physical business address, or pressures you to decide on the spot. A company that's comfortable answering questions, explaining its quote, and giving you time to decide is usually a better sign than the lowest number.
Comparing quotes fairly
If you get more than one quote, make sure you're comparing the same thing. Check that each quote covers the same items, the same packing level, the same destinations, and the same delivery service. A lower price sometimes means less packing material, fewer services at delivery, or a longer timeline. Ask each company to walk you through what's included, and choose the one that answers your questions clearly and patiently.
How we answer these questions
We'd rather you call and ask than guess. At Senior Assist Shipping, every project starts with a no-cost meeting to discuss what you would like to accomplish, followed by a personalized quote for securely packing and safely shipping your items. We pick up, sort, pack, ship, and arrange delivery, and we regularly work with families, executors, personal representatives, estate attorneys, real estate agents, and senior move managers. Read how it works, or call and ask us anything on this list.